CHICAGO 11/17/11 – As part of a national day of action for jobs and economic justice on Thursday, Occupy Chicago, Stand Up! Chicago and individuals from other labor and community groups will be rallying and marching to “Resist austerity, reclaim the economy, and recreate our democracy!”

This day, originally conceived as part of a celebration of the two- month anniversary of Occupy Wall Street, will now be a solidarity action in light of the raid on New York’s encampment early Tuesday morning. Occupy groups in 30 cities across the country will be participating in the day.

“For too long now, regular citizens of this country have struggled while the richest thrived. It’s time to stand up against those who take advantage of hardworking Americans for their own excessive profits. We demand economic justice! ” said Sam Sandmel, a student with Occupy Chicago.

5:30 pm: Occupy Chicago engages in a mass action at Jackson and LaSalle featuring large-scale street theater with a sizeable number of participants, including individuals dressed as the 1%. Immediately following, a march with individuals from many labor unions “visiting” corporations who did not pay their fair share of taxes last year, followed by the daily General Assembly at Congress and Michigan.

“We stand in complete solidarity with Occupy Wall Street,” said Megan Groves, an Occupy Chicago committee volunteer. “We are going to tell the world that you can raid a camp, but you can’t destroy a movement. We aren’t going anywhere, we’re going everywhere!”